 By: Greg Koch
At 605 Running Company, our Give Back Days are about more than just raising funds. They’re about building connections, telling stories, and supporting the people who make our running community so strong. Our upcoming Give Back Day on Saturday, August 23rd is especially close to home — and it all started with a conversation. The Spark of an Idea One of my employees, Paul Westendorf, helps me time races and put on events. Earlier this year, Paul and I were strategizing about how we could provide more for the organizations we work with. He’d recently attended a local food and beverage fundraiser and had a simple, but powerful thought: if they can dedicate a percentage of sales to support a cause, why not us? Like most things associated with Paul, it was a good idea (just like his attempt at the Lean Horse 100 — though that’s a story for another day). That idea became the foundation of our Give Back Day program — a way for us to support organizations in a meaningful, measurable, and sustainable way. Miles with Meaning As Paul was training for the Lean Horse 100, he spent countless miles running alongside Lance Smith, another local steward of the running community. Paul knew why he was training so hard — but he couldn’t figure out what was driving Lance to put in so many extra miles. So he asked. And that’s where Aaron Teerink joins the story. Aaron is a friend Lance met through running. Aaron is also living with ALS. Lance has been training not just for himself, but to raise awareness and support for Aaron and his family. You can read more about Aaron & Lance's story here on their fundraiser pages: Why This Give Back Day Matters Our ALS Give Back Day on Saturday, August 23rd is about standing with Lance in his efforts at The Blood Run and, more importantly, about supporting Aaron as he navigates life with ALS. Here’s how it works:
More Than Business For us, this isn’t just another fundraiser. It’s a story about friendship, perseverance, and community. It’s about using running — and our business — as a way to bring people together for something bigger than ourselves. On August 23rd, join us. Shop local. Give back. And help us honor Aaron, Lance, Paul, and everyone in our community who reminds us that every mile can mean something more.
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 By: Greg Koch
If you knew me 20+ years ago, you know I was not a cross country runner in high school. So, what am I doing talking to high school teams in 2025? Simple — I’m talking about ecosystems. At 605 Running Company, our running ecosystem includes four pillars:
I thought I knew ecosystems inside and out. But speaking to young athletes has shown me that my definition was only part of the picture. Seeing It Through Their Eyes When I ask teams What makes your program successful?, the answers come quickly:
It’s one thing to list these elements as an adult — it’s another to hear young athletes talk about them with real gratitude. They reminded me that an ecosystem isn’t just about structure or resources. It’s about the relationships, memories, and shared experiences that make those resources matter. Why This Resonated When I look at our own business through that lens, I realize we’re not just selling shoes or organizing races — we’re part of people’s life stories. A high school runner might remember their coach’s encouragement or a road trip to a meet. Our customers might remember the first pair of shoes that let them run pain-free, or the community they found at a race. That’s an ecosystem. And the students I speak to have helped me see that more clearly. Where Shoes Come In Of course, my opportunity to share in their world comes from selling running shoes. And while product is available almost everywhere in 2025, what makes us stand out is our fit process, built on four pillars: Individualized. Fit. Feel. Ride. Individualized – We get to know each athlete: Why do you need shoes? What are they for? Any injuries? Open-ended questions are key to finding the right solution. Fit – Proper measurement matters, especially for growing athletes. (When we opened the store, I wore size 11.5. Now I’m a 13. Feet change!) Feel – Trying shoes matters. We provide clean socks, test insoles, and curate options for the individual. Ride – You’ve got to move in them. We encourage walking or running in the shoes before you decide. The Price Question Every Q&A brings up two questions:
The answer to both is No. We follow Minimum Advertised Pricing from our brands, so our prices are the same as other retailers. And our gold-standard fit process? It’s free. I also share our Rewards Program: free to join, and every purchase earns 7% back in gift cards. The more you shop, the more you save. Full Circle These talks have reminded me that ecosystems thrive when people value and nurture all their parts — from the coaches and teammates to the shop that helps keep them moving. The young athletes I’ve met have deepened my understanding of what an ecosystem really is. And in return, I hope I’ve shown them that running can be a lifelong pursuit, supported by a community that cares.  What a year it’s been.
This Saturday, we celebrate 11 years of 605 Running Company — a milestone that’s as humbling as it is energizing. A year ago, I wrote a very personal post about the struggles of running a small business. The response was incredible. Our community rallied, and your support gave me the runway to keep moving forward with this business. Today, I want to share a different kind of message — one rooted in optimism, accountability, and a deep belief in what comes next. A Year of Change and Forward Motion Since October 2024, I’ve had the privilege of leading this company as the sole owner. It’s been a wild ride — equal parts exhilarating and exhausting. But through it all, I’ve never lost faith in our purpose: to serve this community through personalized service, thoughtful products, and experiences that make movement more joyful. In January, I also took on the role of Board Chair for DTSF (Downtown Sioux Falls), where I’ve worked to advocate not just for 605, but for everything that makes this city great. I've been a volunteer for the organization for the past six years. This year has given me perspective, and it’s fueled my commitment to building something lasting here. It has been a true test of leadership and time management. To date we have donated $10,756.60 dollars to area non-profits through our running events. In addition to to my volunteer time for DTSF and our dollars donated, our crew continues to volunteer each month at the St. Francis House, organized by our dedicated team member Paul Westendorf. Even with tight cash flows, busy lives, and turbulent economics we remain dedicated to giving back to our community. We’ve seen positive growth this year — a testament to the trust many of you have placed in us. From expanding our product mix to improving our staff training, we’re making real progress. And I’m proud of that. Being Real About the Challenges That said, we’re not without struggle. But unlike last year, this isn’t a plea. It’s a reflection — and a commitment to keep improving. We've had enough customers through our doors to be successful. The challenge? Converting visits into consistent sales, that is our job. That takes trust, training, and amazing service — and as a manager, I’m working hard to help our team deliver on that, every single day. We’ve also faced inventory constraints. With limited capital and a very tight cashflow situation, we’ve been conservative in what we stock — and that sometimes shows with fewer essentials available like sunglasses, nutrition, hydration solutions, and watches. Many of those items were hit almost immediately with the tariff situation. But we’re actively rebuilding, investing in footwear, and doubling down on quality and service. What Hasn’t Changed? Our Belief in This Community. We’ve always believed that 605 Running Company is more than a store. We’re a hub, a support system, and a place where people from all walks of life can find gear that fits their body, their goals, and their lifestyle — whether they run marathons or walk their dogs. This year we’ve:
And we’ve done it all while remaining committed to fair wages, honest pricing, and never passing off fees on credit cards or having expectations for tips. We believe in delivering great service — because that’s the standard, not an upcharge. Looking Ahead to the Next Chapter Eleven years in business is a big deal — and it doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because of you: the people who walk through our doors, share our posts, bring their friends, and trust us to serve them well. We’re ready for what’s next. I’m building a strategic plan to ensure 605 isn’t just a short-term survivor — but a long-term staple of Sioux Falls. We’re not perfect. But we’re improving. And we’re still here — thanks to you. Celebrate With Us This Saturday, come celebrate 11 years of 605 Running Company. Let’s keep this movement going — one customer, one mile, one year at a time. Thank you for walking (and running) this journey with us. With sincere gratitude, Greg Koch Owner, 605 Running Company  You are showing up.
You are working for something you believe in — for your family, your employees, and your city. That’s not failure. That’s fatherhood in its rawest, most courageous form. That’s a message I’ve been telling myself a lot lately — see especially this week, and this day, Father’s Day. I keep trying to make sense of what it means to lead a business, be present for my family, and carry the weight of both at the same time. I’ve been navigating one of the harder seasons of my career. I’m stretched thin, I don’t have all the answers, and it’s wearing on me. This isn’t just a business struggle — it’s the outcome of trying to fix things and supporting others, saying yes too often, and believing in people and ideas, even when the timing isn’t right. I lead with hope, sometimes to a fault. A Dream Worth Believing In When I took full ownership of 605 Running Company last October, I wasn’t just taking over a store — I was doubling down on a dream. A dream to build something that lasts. Something that matters. Something that becomes part of the fabric of Sioux Falls. I’ve always believed 605 Running Company could be a generational business — the kind of place kids grow up visiting with their parents and eventually bring their own kids back to. A place that doesn’t just sell shoes, but builds community. That helps shape the city we love. The kind of business our city is famous for developing. That’s a big dream. And I’ve chased it with everything I have. We’ve created a welcoming award winning space, supported local races and nonprofits, and built a true running ecosystem in Sioux Falls. Not for glory or profit — but because it was the right thing to do. Because this city deserves businesses that care. That stay. That show up. But building something that lasts is hard. Especially when you’re small. Especially when you care. And especially when you’re doing it in a landscape that rarely rewards doing the right thing. The Cost That Doesn’t Show Up on the Ledger This year has required sacrifices that go beyond numbers. I've had to make difficult decisions that weren’t part of my family’s plan. I’ve invested time, energy, and yes, money — sometimes at the expense of weekends, dinners, and peace of mind. I’ve missed moments I can’t get back. And lately, I’ve felt that guilt more acutely than ever. It’s a particular kind of heartbreak: knowing that in trying to build something for your family, you risk being pulled away from them. In order to keep building you risk the future for the present. It is the risk that wears me down. And some days, that guilt feels louder than the wins. But I’m learning. And more importantly, I’m finally asking for help. Letting Go of the Lone Wolf Mentality For too long, I believed I had to figure everything out on my own. That grit would get me there. That asking for help was weakness. It’s not. I’ve taken steps I wish I’d taken sooner:
Because here’s what I know now: you can’t build something sustainable without support. Not as a business owner. Not as a parent. Not as a human being. What I Want to Say — to You, to Myself, to Anyone Struggling If you’re carrying something heavy right now — stress, uncertainty, burnout, fear — please hear this: You are allowed to ask for help. Saying you’re not okay doesn’t make you weak. It makes you human. It makes you brave. I’ve spent years trying to be the strong one, the steady one, the one with the plan. But the truth is, real strength has nothing to do with having it all together. It’s about showing up anyway. It’s about adjusting the dream without giving up on it. It’s about choosing connection over isolation — again and again. The Dream Still Lives I still believe in this business. I still believe in this city. I still believe in the people who’ve walked through our doors and the stories we’ve helped tell through shoes, races, and relationships. We’ve made huge changes: offering better pay, exploring benefits we never had before, and reaching out for partnership in places we never thought to ask. We’ve adapted. We’ve evolved. We’ve led with heart. But I won’t pretend it hasn’t taken a toll. So if this message reaches someone else who feels like they’re at the edge — know this: you’re not alone. Whether you’re a parent, a founder, a manager, or someone just trying to make it through another week — I see you. And I’m right there with you. Thank you for being part of this journey. Thank you for believing in what we’re trying to build. I’m still here. I’m still fighting for the dream. And I’m not done yet. — Greg Koch  Ask most runners about their worst fear and you’ll hear one answer on repeat: injury. But when injury strikes, too many runners feel dismissed or misunderstood by the very professionals they turn to for help.
Kaitlyn McNamara, PT, DPT, OCS of Empower U Physical Therapy, is working to change that. As both a performance-focused physical therapist and an endurance coach, Kaitlyn brings a rare combination of clinical expertise and athlete empathy to her practice. She’s not just treating injuries — she’s rebuilding trust between runners and the healthcare system. A Voice for Runners in the Medical World Kaitlyn’s passion for helping runners stems from a personal understanding of how frustrating recovery can be. “Runners are often unintentionally mistreated in the medical community,” she explains. “They’re misunderstood, and the advice they receive is often unhelpful.” After navigating her own share of serious injuries with little support, Kaitlyn saw a need for something better. “I wanted to be the person runners could turn to — someone who understands their goals, their bodies, and what it really takes to return to performance.” It didn’t take long to realize that traditional rehab often stops short. “There’s a huge gap between returning to running and returning to training. That’s why I became a coach — to help runners close that gap safely and confidently.” Rewriting the Recovery Rulebook Kaitlyn’s approach is deeply adaptable, and rooted in the belief that there’s no one-size-fits-all formula for success. “Two runners can be equally successful in a marathon, with one running 40 miles a week and the other running 80,” she says. “What matters is finding the approach that fits your life, your goals, and your body.” A major misconception she’s eager to bust? That physical therapists will always tell you to stop running. “We’re not here to take your sport away — we’re here to help you keep doing what you love, with fewer setbacks and more confidence.” She also emphasizes that strength and injury-prevention work shouldn’t be treated as afterthoughts or reactionary tools. “Mobility and strength work should be proactive — not a ‘once I’m injured’ thing.” Smart Adjustments, Stronger Runners For newer runners, Kaitlyn encourages a slow-and-steady mindset. “Tissues adapt slower than your cardiovascular system. Run slow so you can run fast later — and don’t compare your mileage to others.” For experienced athletes feeling stuck, her prescription is both simple and strategic: short strength sessions, 1–2x a week, with intention. “Even 20 minutes can provide the new stimulus your body needs to break through a plateau.” And while you’re at it? Eat more — especially carbs. Fueling, she notes, is one of the most overlooked pieces of the performance puzzle. Holistic Care in Action Kaitlyn sees the best results when runners are treated as whole people — not just a diagnosis. One of her most common cases? Stress fractures. “Healing them requires a full-circle approach,” she explains. “I loop in sports dietitians, collaborate with coaches, and help the runner focus on what they can do during recovery.” It’s this kind of personalized, collaborative care that Kaitlyn hopes to bring to every athlete she meets. Rapid-Fire with Kaitlyn
🎟️ Don’t Miss It 🗓️ Friday, June 13 | ⏰ 5:30 PM 📍 605 Running Company – Bridges at 57th Join Kaitlyn and our full panel of local experts for a powerful conversation on how to train smarter, stay healthy, and take a holistic approach to your running. ➡️ This event is FREE, but registration is required! Reserve your spot here: |
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